5 Homeschool Tips For A Better Experience (For All!)
As a family of four who travels full-time in an RV, we homeschool, or as I like to call it, “roadschool” our kids. Our kids were in public school in 2018, when we decided to downsize our lives in search of a bigger, better, more fulfilling life. We’ve learned a lot since then. I had to let go of some of the ideals I had of what school “should” look like, and embrace learning in many different ways.
Here are a few things we’ve learned along the way that have made learning from home more effective and more enjoyable for all of us.
1. Go Outside
There’s just something about fresh air and sunshine that make learning more fun. If it’s a nice day outside, looking out the window and wishing you weren’t inside can be quite a distraction. By taking the learning outdoors, you can soak up some Vitamin D while expanding your knowledge.
Unstructured exploration and play time has so many benefits. Allowing your children to be bored creates a space for them to use their imaginations, problem solve and be creative. Our kids love to build forts, make art out of mud and “play family” with their fellow nomadic buddies!
2. Get Creative
Our family puts an emphasis on math and reading, and anything else is more driven by the kids interests. Find out what your kids want to learn about. Children are always more excited to learn about things that interest them. Our science and social studies revolve around the places we travel to. We learn about the history, the geography and the local wildlife of all the places we visit.
Encourage your kids to make a bucket list of places they want to visit one day. Teach them about the world around them and let them dream and plan for the kind of life they want to live!
3. Read
Never underestimate the power of reading! If your children are too young to read, read to them. If they can read, set aside a reading time for them each day but don’t neglect reading aloud to them still!
I choose books to read to my kids that they normally wouldn’t pick out for themselves. Reading aloud to your children builds vocabulary, improves listening skills and is an excellent way to bond with your kids.
4. Relax
This is easier said than done- I get it. Homeschooling isn’t about mimicking public school. I tried this approach at first and failed. Why try and make kids sit still inside and do worksheets for 8 hours?!
At home you have the freedom to do what works for you and your child. You can (and should) take breaks whenever you need them. Break things up and go for a walk.
If you are uptight and frustrated, your kids can tell and it makes things harder for everyone. Learning can happen in so many ways, so give yourself permission to relax!
5. Find Support
The number of homeschooling families has recently increased drastically due to Covid-19. Many parents have been thrown into homeschooling without much help.
The good thing is- you’re not alone! Many families have homeschooled for years and have valuable advice to give. There are homeschool co-ops you can join and tons of online resources to assist you.
Find families to bounce ideas off of and learn together with. We love to sit around the campfire with other traveling families and learn what works for them.
Homeschooling can be a really rewarding experience once you figure out what works for you and your family. As children grow and seasons of life change, you have to continually evaluate what’s working and what’s not and shift and change from time to time to get the most out of your homeschooling experience!
(Check out Canva’s Homechooling Guide as well as Mom Informed’s Guide To Homeschooling Your Children as additional resources.)
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